****OFFICIAL 2009 Off Season Washington Redskins Thread**** (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

Cutting Springs and Jason Taylor?

I'm actually quite happy about both those moves. I did not think they'd make either one.

 

[Bizkiteer]

So the guy we paid a 2nd rounder+ for, wasn't even committed enough to the team to attend 75% of the off-season workouts? I'm glad they got this bum out of there.

What is your guys' fondest memory of the Jason Taylor era?

If it was that important to the 'Skins, why didn't they get this put in before the trade went through or on condition to make it official? Dumb move on the FO! Granted, I don't like that he's not willing to put in the time with the team, but can't completely blame him. If you were a ol vet and had all the football IQ after 13 yrs, you'd probably feel the same. Again, I would have rather that he showed a bit more of a longing to be part of it all though.

 

[nittanylion]

Cutting Springs and Jason Taylor?

I'm actually quite happy about both those moves. I did not think they'd make either one.

Me too, my man. Me too. I've been so bitter for so long, maybe positive sentiment wasn't conveyed through my haiku, but it was a big step for me to even spit that out.Those were two good decisions, and I'm flat-out stunned.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

So the guy we paid a 2nd rounder+ for, wasn't even committed enough to the team to attend 75% of the off-season workouts? I'm glad they got this bum out of there.

What is your guys' fondest memory of the Jason Taylor era?

If it was that important to the 'Skins, why didn't they get this put in before the trade went through or on condition to make it official? Dumb move on the FO! Granted, I don't like that he's not willing to put in the time with the team, but can't completely blame him. If you were a ol vet and had all the football IQ after 13 yrs, you'd probably feel the same. Again, I would have rather that he showed a bit more of a longing to be part of it all though.

One of the reasons Taylor was traded from Miami was that he was unwilling to renegotiate his contract. I don't know of any concession he made in that regard with the Redskins either, so adding a new term about offseason attendance was going to be a non-starter.

 

[Dexter Manley]

So the guy we paid a 2nd rounder+ for, wasn't even committed enough to the team to attend 75% of the off-season workouts? I'm glad they got this bum out of there.

What is your guys' fondest memory of the Jason Taylor era?

If it was that important to the 'Skins, why didn't they get this put in before the trade went through or on condition to make it official? Dumb move on the FO! Granted, I don't like that he's not willing to put in the time with the team, but can't completely blame him. If you were a ol vet and had all the football IQ after 13 yrs, you'd probably feel the same. Again, I would have rather that he showed a bit more of a longing to be part of it all though.

Obviously, because the front office wasn't thinking. If they were, they would of targetted a run-stuffing type of DE who could hold up at the POA instead of an Andre Carter clone, as Redman pointed out earlier.Once Daniels and his backup went down last year, the FO panicked worse than some chick who just found out her fiance cheated on her and gave her herpies.

 

[Marvelous]

So the guy we paid a 2nd rounder+ for, wasn't even committed enough to the team to attend 75% of the off-season workouts? I'm glad they got this bum out of there. What is your guys' fondest memory of the Jason Taylor era?

I know more about compartmental syndrone. But I really didn't pay that much attention to it.

 

[fatness]

Some Redskins defensive backs privately expressed frustration last season about the criticism they received for not having more interceptions.

Washington tied for 17th in the NFL with 13 interceptions, and the team's lack of turnovers contributed significantly to the 2-6 second-half slide. Obviously, Washington's defensive backs share in the responsibility for failing to have a higher interception total, "but there's a lot that goes into that," strong safety LaRon Landry said after the season. "It's never as simple as it looks. The coaches put us in the right situations but everything has to work together. The bottom line is that everyone has to do their job together, and we just all have to play better. It wasn't the coaches' fault. It's all on us."

A big part of the problem, several players said, was that defensive backs were often handcuffed last season because of Washington's ineffective pass rush. The Redskins ranked 28th in the league with only 24 sacks, and the lack of pressure on quarterbacks meant receivers had more time to try to break free in coverage. No matter how skilled or sound technique-wise, defensive backs will lose most battles if quarterbacks and receivers have an inordinate amount of time to work.

Moreover, defensive backs can't take as many chances if quarterbacks do not face consistent pressure. Cornerbacks who like to gamble and jump routes, such as Skins corner DeAngelo Hall, simply cannot do that if quarterbacks are throwing in rhythm and rarely rush throws to avoid being hit or sacked.

The Redskins hope the addition of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will result in a much-improved pass rush and more interceptions.

Jason Reid, filling in for JLC.

 

[Marvelous]

LaCanfora on holes the Redskins have to fill

Dockery moves back into the left guard spot alongside his buddy, Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels. Casey Rabach is entrenched at center and the Redskins hope right guard Randy Thomas fully recovers from surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck. That leaves right tackle, where the team is determined to upgrade, league sources said.

The Redskins want to replace Jon Jansen for good, believing he was the weakest link on a unit that broke down in the second half. During offseason meetings at the complex, the Redskins determined the ineffective play of the offensive line was among the biggest factors in the team's 2-6 slide.

Although some in the organization believe third-year tackle Stephon Heyer could be better than average as a full-time starter, others are not so sure, and the consensus is that the Redskins must attempt to find another option from outside the complex. After the team's record 24-hour spending spree, there's no cap room remaining at this point to pursue the type of rising, athletic tackles Coach Jim Zorn would want to help execute his version of the West Coast offense.

The Redskins only have four draft picks, including the 13th overall selection, and they are expected to draft a tackle. For depth purposes, the Redskins also still are in the market for a center who can play guard.

Washington also needs two to three linebackers and another defensive end. The Redskins are expected to experiment with end Jason Taylor as a linebacker in their 4-3 scheme, which should be interesting.

Seems like they should seriously consider cutting a player so they can sign the OT from Seattle, if they think he is any good. But wait, they just restructured everyone and gave them their moeny up front. They lose a lot of roster flexibility with the continual contract restructurings. The most likely candidated would be Griffin and Carter, who were just restuctured, and Jansen, who had a large cap hit due to previous contract restructures. Maybe they could cut Todd Collins and move Colt up to #2.

Also, by waiting, prices for free agents will come down. Maybe they'll be able to sign a decent contributor on the cheap later in the offseason.

With Taylor now cut, they should be able to sign some cheap free agents to help them out. I have no idea who it good. They should be fairly young, and people I generally haven't heard of.

 

[thayman]

Some Redskins defensive backs privately expressed frustration last season about the criticism they received for not having more interceptions.

Washington tied for 17th in the NFL with 13 interceptions, and the team's lack of turnovers contributed significantly to the 2-6 second-half slide. Obviously, Washington's defensive backs share in the responsibility for failing to have a higher interception total, "but there's a lot that goes into that," strong safety LaRon Landry said after the season. "It's never as simple as it looks. The coaches put us in the right situations but everything has to work together. The bottom line is that everyone has to do their job together, and we just all have to play better. It wasn't the coaches' fault. It's all on us."

A big part of the problem, several players said, was that defensive backs were often handcuffed last season because of Washington's ineffective pass rush. The Redskins ranked 28th in the league with only 24 sacks, and the lack of pressure on quarterbacks meant receivers had more time to try to break free in coverage. No matter how skilled or sound technique-wise, defensive backs will lose most battles if quarterbacks and receivers have an inordinate amount of time to work.

Moreover, defensive backs can't take as many chances if quarterbacks do not face consistent pressure. Cornerbacks who like to gamble and jump routes, such as Skins corner DeAngelo Hall, simply cannot do that if quarterbacks are throwing in rhythm and rarely rush throws to avoid being hit or sacked.

The Redskins hope the addition of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will result in a much-improved pass rush and more interceptions.

Jason Reid, filling in for JLC.

I wasn't aware that the ineffective pass rush had anything to do with the ball bouncing off of Carlos Rogers' hands.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

Some Redskins defensive backs privately expressed frustration last season about the criticism they received for not having more interceptions.

Washington tied for 17th in the NFL with 13 interceptions, and the team's lack of turnovers contributed significantly to the 2-6 second-half slide. Obviously, Washington's defensive backs share in the responsibility for failing to have a higher interception total, "but there's a lot that goes into that," strong safety LaRon Landry said after the season. "It's never as simple as it looks. The coaches put us in the right situations but everything has to work together. The bottom line is that everyone has to do their job together, and we just all have to play better. It wasn't the coaches' fault. It's all on us."

A big part of the problem, several players said, was that defensive backs were often handcuffed last season because of Washington's ineffective pass rush. The Redskins ranked 28th in the league with only 24 sacks, and the lack of pressure on quarterbacks meant receivers had more time to try to break free in coverage. No matter how skilled or sound technique-wise, defensive backs will lose most battles if quarterbacks and receivers have an inordinate amount of time to work.

Moreover, defensive backs can't take as many chances if quarterbacks do not face consistent pressure. Cornerbacks who like to gamble and jump routes, such as Skins corner DeAngelo Hall, simply cannot do that if quarterbacks are throwing in rhythm and rarely rush throws to avoid being hit or sacked.

The Redskins hope the addition of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will result in a much-improved pass rush and more interceptions.

Jason Reid, filling in for JLC.

I wasn't aware that the ineffective pass rush had anything to do with the ball bouncing off of Carlos Rogers' hands.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Do you think the Skins would trade Campbell and the 13th pick for Cutler?

 

[Mr Capicollo]

Do you think the Skins would trade Campbell and the 13th pick for Cutler?

Would they? Maybe. Should they? No.

 

[fatness]

I wasn't aware that the ineffective pass rush had anything to do with the ball bouncing off of Carlos Rogers' hands.

He has hands like feet. But at the same time it's a valid point --- DB's can't maintain coverage for real long, receivers do get open when there's little rush. When the QB is hurried mistakes happen. And how many times did the Redskins ever hurry a QB last year? 3? 4?

 

[fatness]

With Taylor gone, the Redskins are expected to focus on re-signing defensive ends Daniels and Demetric Evans, who became free agents last week.

USA Today

 

[buster c]

ESPN

The Washington Redskins released defensive end Jason Taylor after both sides failed to restructure his contract.

Taylor was scheduled to make $8.5 million this season, but the team needed the cap room for a six-year, $54 million contract signed last week by cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

According to a source, Taylor was asked by the Redskins to take part in 75 percent of their offseason workouts. That would require him to be at the Redskins' facility during eight of the 13 weeks of the offseason program, three days a week.

Family took precedence over the money.

With three children, Taylor, who has a home in the Miami area, opted not to agree to the workout provisions. The team was willing to keep his restructured salary at $8.5 million, but his desire to be with his family in the offseason was more important in his life.

more building from the outside-in.I think this is a bad move. Carter's the one I'd cut. Let JT benefit from big Al's presence. Last year, on one leg, JT had more of an impact than Carter, knocking a lot of passes down at the line and applying decent pressure.

Where's our pass rush going to come from?

 

[Bizkiteer]

Unless the 'Skins have something up their sleeves with a trade or FA moves...it will make the pick @ #13 spot much more interesting now.

 

[Marvelous]

From PFT:

In the end, the Redskins got 13 games, and eight starts, out of the second-round pick in the 2009 draft that they sent to the Dolphins last year.

So the question is: Will Devin Thomas be more or less productive than Jason Taylor? How about Malcolm Kelly?

 

[Mr Capicollo]

From PFT:

In the end, the Redskins got 13 games, and eight starts, out of the second-round pick in the 2009 draft that they sent to the Dolphins last year.

Sounds like they're +EV.

 

[fatness]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

 

[buster c]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

Am I the only one that's starting to get the feeling that Danny and MCV asked Taylor to add this clause to his contract because they knew he would refuse, and that would allow them to save a little face cutting him, when that was there plan all along?

 

[Mr Capicollo]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

Now that you mention it, that was part of Portis' contract and that's why he was at every workout last offseason. Of all the things to single out, I don't see why this would be the complaint that you'd point to about Snyder right now.

 

[fatness]

did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause?

Yes. His contract was renegotiated prior to last season and that was part of it. Is this extremeskins?

 

[fatness]

Am I the only one that's starting to get the feeling that Danny and MCV asked Taylor to add this clause to his contract because they knew he would refuse, and that would allow them to save a little face cutting him, when that was there plan all along?

I've believed that all along. I don't remember if it was this thread or another one but I posted that opinion. Blache wasn't happy with Taylor. Taylor wasn't happy here. Taylor got hurt and didn't produce. Taylor had a huge salary. Of course they wanted to cut him.

 

[Marvelous]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

Am I the only one that's starting to get the feeling that Danny and MCV asked Taylor to add this clause to his contract because they knew he would refuse, and that would allow them to save a little face cutting him, when that was there plan all along?

I think it is bizarre, but I definately get the impression they wanted to add this clause so that when Taylor balked, it gave them a reason to cut him. Seriously, anyone would balk at it. Let's add more clauses to your contract and not give you anything in return. Management doesn't need a reason to cut a player. Just cut him if you don't want him.

 

[Sebowski]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

Am I the only one that's starting to get the feeling that Danny and MCV asked Taylor to add this clause to his contract because they knew he would refuse, and that would allow them to save a little face cutting him, when that was there plan all along?

I think it is bizarre, but I definately get the impression they wanted to add this clause so that when Taylor balked, it gave them a reason to cut him. Seriously, anyone would balk at it. Let's add more clauses to your contract and not give you anything in return. Management doesn't need a reason to cut a player. Just cut him if you don't want him.

It is better than asking for a paycut isn't it? That is normally what happens. This was a more than fair offer. Jason Taylor will not make anywhere close to that money on the free market. He needed to be at workouts to prove he can still play. The film says he can't.

 

[buster c]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

Now that you mention it, that was part of Portis' contract and that's why he was at every workout last offseason. Of all the things to single out, I don't see why this would be the complaint that you'd point to about Snyder right now.

After the season ended, Portis said he wasn't going to participate in off-season workouts. I hear that Moss and Thomas are going to train in Miami. What my complaint is is the fact that the rules don't apply evenly to everyone. And my complaint is that insteead of just cutting JT, Snyder tries to make it look like JT is the bad guy here. What's the point of drawing a line in the sand with JT on off-season workouts when other guys are not going to be here? Is he going to cut Portis? Moss?

 

[fatness]

More stuff to make buster happy

Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations, was surprised and "disappointed, totally disappointed" that Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor declined to participate in the offseason workout program at Redskins Park, prompting the team to release him on Monday.

"It's 39 workouts to make 75 percent, and 14 of them are mandatory. . . . So it was 25 workouts in 13 weeks."

"We felt like to get the best out of him, because he didn't work out all last year, because he was doing dancing" they needed him to be at the complex, Cerrato said. "And that's what Bill had the problem with, because he wasn't in [Miami's] offseason program."

 

[fatness]

the team still is interested in re-signing former starting left guard Pete Kendall, Coach Jim Zorn said today.

The Redskins still hope to replace Jon Jansen as the starting right tackle with a player not currently on the roster. They also need another veteran defense end, several linebackers and someone who could play center and guard for offensive-line depth purposes. And after having a surplus of veteran cornerbacks last season, the Redskins are somewhat thin at the position now.

JLC

 

[fatness]

Article on Albert Haynesworth by JLC, from last week

For a good five years, Jim Washburn tried to buck Albert Haynesworth. The Tennessee Titans' defensive line coach wanted to mold the fiery defensive tackle into a prototypical lineman, harping on technique and footwork, clashing repeatedly with his most gifted pupil. Finally, a couple of years ago, he relented. Haynesworth was a special case, as angry and recalcitrant at times as he was talented, and Washburn, 59, was ready to make an exception for him. He granted the 6-foot-6, 320-pound lineman rare privileges to rush the passer with relative abandon, eschew much traditional technique and search for ways to best maximize his unique skills.

"I realized I had to cut my losses," Washburn said by telephone from his office yesterday, hours after the Washington Redskins signed Haynesworth to the richest contract ever for a defensive player in the NFL. "I stopped trying to make him a technique player. After a while, I adapted to him and what he does and stopped trying to fight to make him a conventional tackle. He's a non-traditional player, and I think the coaches there will find that out. It wasn't without a lot of turmoil that we got to that point, but I decided I wasn't going to put a plow on a racehorse. I wasn't going to saddle him with that anymore. You might hear some people say I let him freelance, but I let him play and tried to do what was best to help us win games. I'm not really into paralysis by analysis."

Blache's tackles generally bear immense run responsibilities -- his scheme is based on simplicity and stopping the run above all else -- and primarily are utilized to absorb blockers to create room for linebackers to make plays. Haynesworth is used to firing off the line on instinct, relying on his size, strength and "God-given gifts," as Washburn put it, to surge through offensive linemen and make plays.

"If you try to rigid him down and say you have to play this stance, he'll tell them to [kiss off]," one NFL coach familiar with Haynesworth said. "The one thing Albert is really special at is rushing the passer from the inside, and he plays the run on the way to the pass. If you try to screw him down with run technique and stopping the run first, which is how they play, then that's really a disservice to his abilities."

"His speed rushing off the edge is tremendous," one NFL personnel executive said, "and he can play right [tackle], he can play left [tackle] and he can play both end positions."

Washburn, who has developed seven top-notch linemen this decade and calls Haynesworth the brightest player he has coached, based much of his game plan on generating advantageous matchups. Washburn would identify the weakest offensive lineman and try to get Haynesworth as many snaps as possible in his face, regardless of whether it was a center, guard or tackle.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

Am I the only one that's starting to get the feeling that Danny and MCV asked Taylor to add this clause to his contract because they knew he would refuse, and that would allow them to save a little face cutting him, when that was there plan all along?

I think it is bizarre, but I definately get the impression they wanted to add this clause so that when Taylor balked, it gave them a reason to cut him. Seriously, anyone would balk at it. Let's add more clauses to your contract and not give you anything in return. Management doesn't need a reason to cut a player. Just cut him if you don't want him.

It is better than asking for a paycut isn't it? That is normally what happens. This was a more than fair offer. Jason Taylor will not make anywhere close to that money on the free market. He needed to be at workouts to prove he can still play. The film says he can't.

Taylor's agent was on ESPN radio tonight (Football Tonight w/ John Seibel) and Seibel really opened every door he could to get the agent to say something derogatory about how the 'Skins dealt with Taylor and the agent never bit. Not sure if it's because he didn't think there was a reason to say anything or if he just didn't want to burn any bridges.The agent basically said Taylor could care less about the money (basically throwing away $8million; he could have restructured, stayed in FLA and just not received the $500,000 bonus) and that being in FLA with his family was his first priority right now. He said they aren't even going to try to talk to any other teams for at least a couple of weeks.

 

[Yamato]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

Am I the only one that's starting to get the feeling that Danny and MCV asked Taylor to add this clause to his contract because they knew he would refuse, and that would allow them to save a little face cutting him, when that was there plan all along?

I think it is bizarre, but I definately get the impression they wanted to add this clause so that when Taylor balked, it gave them a reason to cut him. Seriously, anyone would balk at it. Let's add more clauses to your contract and not give you anything in return. Management doesn't need a reason to cut a player. Just cut him if you don't want him.

It is better than asking for a paycut isn't it? That is normally what happens. This was a more than fair offer. Jason Taylor will not make anywhere close to that money on the free market. He needed to be at workouts to prove he can still play. The film says he can't.

Film says he can play left end. Run stopping end...strong side end. The place where the skins had him. The guy weighs 240 pounds. Should have put him at right end and worked Carter into Left end.

 

[Marvelous]

Article on Albert Haynesworth by JLC, from last week

For a good five years, Jim Washburn tried to buck Albert Haynesworth. The Tennessee Titans' defensive line coach wanted to mold the fiery defensive tackle into a prototypical lineman, harping on technique and footwork, clashing repeatedly with his most gifted pupil. Finally, a couple of years ago, he relented. Haynesworth was a special case, as angry and recalcitrant at times as he was talented, and Washburn, 59, was ready to make an exception for him. He granted the 6-foot-6, 320-pound lineman rare privileges to rush the passer with relative abandon, eschew much traditional technique and search for ways to best maximize his unique skills.

"I realized I had to cut my losses," Washburn said by telephone from his office yesterday, hours after the Washington Redskins signed Haynesworth to the richest contract ever for a defensive player in the NFL. "I stopped trying to make him a technique player. After a while, I adapted to him and what he does and stopped trying to fight to make him a conventional tackle. He's a non-traditional player, and I think the coaches there will find that out. It wasn't without a lot of turmoil that we got to that point, but I decided I wasn't going to put a plow on a racehorse. I wasn't going to saddle him with that anymore. You might hear some people say I let him freelance, but I let him play and tried to do what was best to help us win games. I'm not really into paralysis by analysis."

Blache's tackles generally bear immense run responsibilities -- his scheme is based on simplicity and stopping the run above all else -- and primarily are utilized to absorb blockers to create room for linebackers to make plays. Haynesworth is used to firing off the line on instinct, relying on his size, strength and "God-given gifts," as Washburn put it, to surge through offensive linemen and make plays.

"If you try to rigid him down and say you have to play this stance, he'll tell them to [kiss off]," one NFL coach familiar with Haynesworth said. "The one thing Albert is really special at is rushing the passer from the inside, and he plays the run on the way to the pass. If you try to screw him down with run technique and stopping the run first, which is how they play, then that's really a disservice to his abilities."

"His speed rushing off the edge is tremendous," one NFL personnel executive said, "and he can play right [tackle], he can play left [tackle] and he can play both end positions."

Washburn, who has developed seven top-notch linemen this decade and calls Haynesworth the brightest player he has coached, based much of his game plan on generating advantageous matchups. Washburn would identify the weakest offensive lineman and try to get Haynesworth as many snaps as possible in his face, regardless of whether it was a center, guard or tackle.

Wow. Based on this info, it Haynesworth and the Redskins sound lika a mismatch. We'll see if Blatche can adapt to Hayneworth. Taylor could not adapt to Blatche.

 

[fatness]

Wow. Based on this info, it Haynesworth and the Redskins sound lika a mismatch. We'll see if Blatche can adapt to Hayneworth. Taylor could not adapt to Blatche.

I was initially worried about that too but then I gave it a second read. Given the comments of Washburn, who adjusted to Haynesworth's skills and succeeded, and the comments of the unnamed NFL Coach in the article who said he's a talent whose ability a team should adjust to, I think Blache is smart enough to set Haynesworth up for maximum effectiveness.

"I want to be able to attack my gap, make plays and everybody make plays off of me," said Haynesworth, who regularly beats double-teams. "I want to do almost the same thing I did in Tennessee."Blache, whose team ranked 28th in sacks and had the third-fewest takeaways in the NFL last season, appears willing to oblige. "When you add a talent to this degree, you adjust things to fit him," he said. "We realize that we've got something that we haven't had before."

 

[fatness]

The agent basically said Taylor could care less about the money (basically throwing away $8million; he could have restructured, stayed in FLA and just not received the $500,000 bonus) and that being in FLA with his family was his first priority right now. He said they aren't even going to try to talk to any other teams for at least a couple of weeks.

He's a dancer.And he sparkles and he shines.

 

[dgreen]

"We felt like to get the best out of him, because he didn't work out all last year, because he was doing dancing" they needed him to be at the complex, Cerrato said. "And that's what Bill had the problem with, because he wasn't in [Miami's] offseason program."

But you thought you could change him, Vinny? Parcells, who has a solid track record of picking players, had a problem with Taylor and you decided it would be a good idea to trade a 2nd and 6th for him?

 

[Marvelous]

"We felt like to get the best out of him, because he didn't work out all last year, because he was doing dancing" they needed him to be at the complex, Cerrato said. "And that's what Bill had the problem with, because he wasn't in [Miami's] offseason program."

But you thought you could change him, Vinny? Parcells, who has a solid track record of picking players, had a problem with Taylor and you decided it would be a good idea to trade a 2nd and 6th for him?

I thought the same thing. They brought him in during the early part of camp, so he was not part of last season's off-season program. And now they think it is suddenly important again and Taylor does not want to do it, again.

 

[Marvelous]

Wow. Based on this info, it Haynesworth and the Redskins sound lika a mismatch. We'll see if Blatche can adapt to Hayneworth. Taylor could not adapt to Blatche.

I was initially worried about that too but then I gave it a second read. Given the comments of Washburn, who adjusted to Haynesworth's skills and succeeded, and the comments of the unnamed NFL Coach in the article who said he's a talent whose ability a team should adjust to, I think Blache is smart enough to set Haynesworth up for maximum effectiveness.

"I want to be able to attack my gap, make plays and everybody make plays off of me," said Haynesworth, who regularly beats double-teams. "I want to do almost the same thing I did in Tennessee."Blache, whose team ranked 28th in sacks and had the third-fewest takeaways in the NFL last season, appears willing to oblige. "When you add a talent to this degree, you adjust things to fit him," he said. "We realize that we've got something that we haven't had before."

They did not adjust the D to fit Jason Taylor. Granted, they had little time to work on it. And they did not adjust for Achuleta. Of course, that was under Williams and Archuleta was clearly not an elite talent.Of course, the latest plan was to use Jason Taylor as an outside linebacker. Not sure how that would have worked in the 4-3 D the Redskins play.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

Wow. Based on this info, it Haynesworth and the Redskins sound lika a mismatch. We'll see if Blatche can adapt to Hayneworth. Taylor could not adapt to Blatche.

I was initially worried about that too but then I gave it a second read. Given the comments of Washburn, who adjusted to Haynesworth's skills and succeeded, and the comments of the unnamed NFL Coach in the article who said he's a talent whose ability a team should adjust to, I think Blache is smart enough to set Haynesworth up for maximum effectiveness.

"I want to be able to attack my gap, make plays and everybody make plays off of me," said Haynesworth, who regularly beats double-teams. "I want to do almost the same thing I did in Tennessee."Blache, whose team ranked 28th in sacks and had the third-fewest takeaways in the NFL last season, appears willing to oblige. "When you add a talent to this degree, you adjust things to fit him," he said. "We realize that we've got something that we haven't had before."

They did not adjust the D to fit Jason Taylor. Granted, they had little time to work on it. And they did not adjust for Achuleta. Of course, that was under Williams and Archuleta was clearly not an elite talent.Of course, the latest plan was to use Jason Taylor as an outside linebacker. Not sure how that would have worked in the 4-3 D the Redskins play.

They adjusted for Archuleta. I distincly remember the entire defense turning around 180 degrees and running towards their own end zone repeatedly because of Arch.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Wow. Based on this info, it Haynesworth and the Redskins sound lika a mismatch. We'll see if Blatche can adapt to Hayneworth. Taylor could not adapt to Blatche.

I was initially worried about that too but then I gave it a second read. Given the comments of Washburn, who adjusted to Haynesworth's skills and succeeded, and the comments of the unnamed NFL Coach in the article who said he's a talent whose ability a team should adjust to, I think Blache is smart enough to set Haynesworth up for maximum effectiveness.

"I want to be able to attack my gap, make plays and everybody make plays off of me," said Haynesworth, who regularly beats double-teams. "I want to do almost the same thing I did in Tennessee."Blache, whose team ranked 28th in sacks and had the third-fewest takeaways in the NFL last season, appears willing to oblige. "When you add a talent to this degree, you adjust things to fit him," he said. "We realize that we've got something that we haven't had before."

They did not adjust the D to fit Jason Taylor. Granted, they had little time to work on it. And they did not adjust for Achuleta. Of course, that was under Williams and Archuleta was clearly not an elite talent.Of course, the latest plan was to use Jason Taylor as an outside linebacker. Not sure how that would have worked in the 4-3 D the Redskins play.

They adjusted for Archuleta. I distincly remember the entire defense turning around 180 degrees and running towards their own end zone repeatedly because of Arch.

LMAO!!! Good one!

 

[fatness]

They adjusted for Archuleta. I distincly remember the entire defense turning around 180 degrees and running towards their own end zone repeatedly because of Arch.

I loved LaCanfora's name for him: Arch DeLuxe.

 

[buster c]

The agent basically said Taylor could care less about the money (basically throwing away $8million; he could have restructured, stayed in FLA and just not received the $500,000 bonus) and that being in FLA with his family was his first priority right now. He said they aren't even going to try to talk to any other teams for at least a couple of weeks.

He's a dancer.And he sparkles and he shines.

they say she's a ladyhttp://www.tsrocks.com/c/crack_the_sky_tex...s_a_dancer.html

 

[buster c]

http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/03/snyde...hanged-man.html

If you're one of those ####-eyed optimists, for whom a stubborn unwillingness to look facts in the face is the truest test of character, then you'll love this USA Today article about the Redskins, in which team majority owner Dan Snyder [The Li'l General], unlit cigar dangling from his lips, proclaims himself a new man -- different from the callow youth who threw tons of money at past-their-prime stars and received minimal returns. [The cast of characters begins with Bruce Smith and Deion Sanders and ends, to date, with Jason Taylor.]

Are you so desperate to believe the Redskins can win another title that you'll believe anything hopeful that comes out of Dan Snyder's mouth? Then this article is for you. Enjoy:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...l-insider_N.htm

 

[Sebowski]

Wow. Based on this info, it Haynesworth and the Redskins sound lika a mismatch. We'll see if Blatche can adapt to Hayneworth. Taylor could not adapt to Blatche.

I was initially worried about that too but then I gave it a second read. Given the comments of Washburn, who adjusted to Haynesworth's skills and succeeded, and the comments of the unnamed NFL Coach in the article who said he's a talent whose ability a team should adjust to, I think Blache is smart enough to set Haynesworth up for maximum effectiveness.

"I want to be able to attack my gap, make plays and everybody make plays off of me," said Haynesworth, who regularly beats double-teams. "I want to do almost the same thing I did in Tennessee."Blache, whose team ranked 28th in sacks and had the third-fewest takeaways in the NFL last season, appears willing to oblige. "When you add a talent to this degree, you adjust things to fit him," he said. "We realize that we've got something that we haven't had before."

They did not adjust the D to fit Jason Taylor. Granted, they had little time to work on it. And they did not adjust for Achuleta. Of course, that was under Williams and Archuleta was clearly not an elite talent.Of course, the latest plan was to use Jason Taylor as an outside linebacker. Not sure how that would have worked in the 4-3 D the Redskins play.

And the never let Lavar play his natural position either. Hopefully they won't make that mistake with Big Al. From Blatche the quotes Fatness posted it doesn't look like they will.

 

[Sebowski]

Jason Reid

It seems Jason Taylor finally had enough. After changing positions (there really is a difference in playing right end or left end), trying to fit into a scheme that clearly didn't fit his skills and not meshing well with defensive coordinator Greg Blache, according to team sources, Taylor, who makes his year-round home in Miami, balked at owner Daniel Snyder's request to participate in the team's offseason workout program and was released today.

This was a bad fit from the beginning. The Redskins were in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp last July, and Taylor was available, having been put on the trading block by Bill Parcells.

Taylor, whose weight during the season drops under 240 pounds, was miscast from the start trying to stuff the run. He did not have the freedom to rush the quarterback as he did with the Dolphins, sprained his right knee in a preseason game and twice underwent surgery on his left calf to relieve acute compartment syndrome, a buildup of pressure on muscle groups.

Whenever I spoke with Taylor last season, I got the sense that he could not have been any unhappier with the Redskins. I know he missed his family in Miami, but there was something bigger going on with him. He's clearly a bright guy, several of his teammates said, and he realized early on there were problems with the organization that he did not realize at the time of the trade.

as long as this assss clown is making the football decisions, we're the laughing stock of the NFL. did the little rich kid ask pet Portis to agree to this clause? I doubt it. what we have are different sets of rules that apply at the whim of Snyder, totally undermining the authority of the football staff. Zorn is going to pay for this with his job, after a 6-10 campaign in 2009.

Am I the only one that's starting to get the feeling that Danny and MCV asked Taylor to add this clause to his contract because they knew he would refuse, and that would allow them to save a little face cutting him, when that was there plan all along?

I think it is bizarre, but I definately get the impression they wanted to add this clause so that when Taylor balked, it gave them a reason to cut him. Seriously, anyone would balk at it. Let's add more clauses to your contract and not give you anything in return. Management doesn't need a reason to cut a player. Just cut him if you don't want him.

It is better than asking for a paycut isn't it? That is normally what happens. This was a more than fair offer. Jason Taylor will not make anywhere close to that money on the free market. He needed to be at workouts to prove he can still play. The film says he can't.

Film says he can play left end. Run stopping end...strong side end. The place where the skins had him. The guy weighs 240 pounds. Should have put him at right end and worked Carter into Left end.

Can't argue too much with that. Skins have not been great at putting players in the best position to succeed.

 

[fatness]

http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/03/snyde...hanged-man.html

If you're one of those ####-eyed optimists, for whom a stubborn unwillingness to look facts in the face is the truest test of character, then you'll love this USA Today article about the Redskins, in which team majority owner Dan Snyder [The Li'l General], unlit cigar dangling from his lips, proclaims himself a new man

You're making a mistake. You're thinking that Redskin fans are somehow fans of Dan Snyder. I'm not, and few other fans are. ChrisCooleyFan can tell you that. He used to have a quote from me as his signature line here:"#### the owner. Go Skins!"

 

[buster c]

http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/03/snyde...hanged-man.html

If you're one of those ####-eyed optimists, for whom a stubborn unwillingness to look facts in the face is the truest test of character, then you'll love this USA Today article about the Redskins, in which team majority owner Dan Snyder [The Li'l General], unlit cigar dangling from his lips, proclaims himself a new man

You're making a mistake. You're thinking that Redskin fans are somehow fans of Dan Snyder. I'm not, and few other fans are. ChrisCooleyFan can tell you that. He used to have a quote from me as his signature line here:"#### the owner. Go Skins!"

those are the words of the blog writer fromn the link. I'm under no illusion that there is much love for the ### clown

 

[Marvelous]

http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/03/snyde...hanged-man.html

If you're one of those ####-eyed optimists, for whom a stubborn unwillingness to look facts in the face is the truest test of character, then you'll love this USA Today article about the Redskins, in which team majority owner Dan Snyder [The Li'l General], unlit cigar dangling from his lips, proclaims himself a new man

You're making a mistake. You're thinking that Redskin fans are somehow fans of Dan Snyder. I'm not, and few other fans are. ChrisCooleyFan can tell you that. He used to have a quote from me as his signature line here:"#### the owner. Go Skins!"

Based on the last off season, I was hoping they had turned the corner and would focus on building through the draft. I understand the Erasmus James trade, although I thought they should have known enough by the time the season started on whether he was worth keeping. But the Jason Taylor trade showed me that it is still the same Daniel Snyder running the show. A 2nd and 6th round draft pick for a 1 year rental of an aging, but big name, player. I am not sure what to make of the Haynesworth signing. It looks good on paper, but frequently the high end free agents don't work out as well as you think they would.

 

[fatness]

But the Jason Taylor trade showed me that it is still the same Daniel Snyder running the show. A 2nd and 6th round draft pick for a 1 year rental of an aging, but big name, player.

The Jason Taylor trade is probably going to live in infamy. It's in Archuleta territory. For the record, I'm glad they took the risk and signed Haynesworth because I think he fills their most glaring need (pressure from defensive tackles) better than anyone else could. I wasn't so happy about the Jason Taylor trade. Most plays get collapsed from the middle, not from the end. And under Blache's restrained system for the defensive line, ordinary talent is not going to generate the necessary pressure from the defensive tackle position.

 

[Marvelous]

From PFT:

EVANS CHOOSES NINERSPosted by Mike Florio on March 4, 2009, 9:32 p.m. Defensive end Demetric Evans wanted to make a decision by Friday as to whether he’d join the 49ers or the Redskins.And so he has.On Wednesday night, Evans agreed to terms with San Francisco, according to a league source.Per the source, Evans signed a two-year, $3.8 million deal.The seven-year veteran started his career with the Cowboys, and spent the last five seasons in Washington.

Another solid player gone. He may not be a starter, but he certainly works well in the DL mix. I think this is the type of player the Redskins really don't value.